List of Cough Medicines

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CAROLE ANNE TOMLINSON Last Updated: Mar 04, 2011

Carole Anne Tomlinson

Carole Anne Tomlinson is a registered nurse with experience in rehabilitation, nutrition, chemical dependency, diabetes and health problems related to the elderly. Tomlinson holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and is presently working on her master's degree in nursing. Her screenplays have been viewed by Merchant Ivory, Angela Lansbury and Steven King's associates.

Cough medicines fill the shelves at drugstores and department stores because a cough associated with a cold or flu can be irritating. A cough is a constant reminder of feeling ill, and it can be annoying to friends, family members and co-workers. To get relief, many people take cough medicines either as stand-alone medications or as part of cold-symptom drugs. Here are some that are available.

Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan is an over-the-counter cough suppressant that works by affecting the portion of the human brain associated with coughing. It is found in most cold remedies and cough medicines, and is sold as a liquid or capsule. It is found in such brand names as Vicks 44 Cough Relief, Miltuss, Pediacare, Benylin Pediatric Formula, Creomulsion, Dexalone, Robitussin, Simply Cough, Father John's Medicine, ElixSure Cough Children's, Delsym, Robafen Cough, Silphen DM, Children's Pedia Care, Babee Cof Syrup, Nycoff and Pedicare Long-Acting Cough. Side effects may include blurry vision, restlessness, nausea, urination difficulties, confusion, drowsiness, headache, abdominal pain and constipation.

Guaifenesin

Guaifenesin thins phlegm or mucus in people's lungs to help suppress or reduce coughing. It is found in both prescription and over-the-counter strengths. It is sold as Mucinex, Bidex 400, Diabetic Tussin EX, Drituss G, Amibid LA, Allfen, Altarussin, Guaifenex G, Guaifenex LA, Robitussin, Altarussin and Diabetic Siltussin DAS-Na. It may be contained in liquid or pill form, or as part of other cold and flu remedies. Guaifenesin may cause abdominal pain, a rash, diarrhea, hives, nausea, headaches, dizziness or vomiting.

Narcotics

Codeine is a prescription-only remedy for coughs. It is an antitussive and acts on the brain's cough center, just as dextromethorphan does. Codeine is a narcotic and may make your body dependent on it with prolonged use. That means the main side effect is drug addiction. Other narcotics that may be used to suppress coughs include hydromorphone, dihydrocodeine and hydrocodone.

Caramiphen

Caramiphen is a cough suppressant marketed as Tusso-Gest, Ordrine AT, Tuss Vernade and Rescaps-D. It is prescribed as capsules or tablets. Caramiphen may produce such side effects as high blood pressure, nausea, insomnia, headaches, a rash, chest pains, dizziness or drowsiness. Some pre-existing conditions should be mentioned to a doctor before the medicine is prescribed. These include depression, high blood pressure, asthma, kidney disease, glaucoma and diabetes.

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Dr. Nancy Baxi is a board-certified internal medicine physician with 19 years of experience. She is currently a primary care physician at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and an assistant professor of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University and has been an assistant professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine and the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Baxi has been a key clinical educator of medical residents and students. She has a passion for sharing medical knowledge and teaching her patients to empower them, and she has won teaching and patient care awards for her work.